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Nashville Then: March 1974

Hugh Howell, left, and his father, Billy, display a few of the items they will auction to settle the estate of David (Stringbean) Akeman and his wife, Estelle. On the hood of Stringbean's 1974 Cadillac is a pair of overalls worn by the well-known Grand Ole Opry star and some of his fishing gear. The star and his wife were murdered Nov. 10, as they returned to their home.

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Nashville Then: March 1974

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Hugh Howell, left, and his father, Billy, display a few of the items they will auction to settle the estate of David (Stringbean) Akeman and his wife, Estelle. On the hood of Stringbean's 1974 Cadillac is a pair of overalls worn by the well-known Grand Ole Opry star and some of his fishing gear. The star and his wife were murdered Nov. 10, as they returned to their home.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Johnny Russell, taking it easy at the studio March 1, 1974, said that the long-awaited jump into country music stardom has been anything but a heavenly experience. All the same, he plans to keep climbing.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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WMAC Radio disc jockeys Coyote McCloud, left, and Scott Shannon, and WDCN-TV fundraising chairman Mrs. Hennie Morris hold up a big "8" in marking the end of the public television station's 10-day fundraising drive, called CelebrEIGHT Week. McCloud and Shannon served as hosts on the station's last night of special programming during the drive.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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The King of Country Music, Roy Acuff, with cap, signs autographs for a group of fans that cornered him at the auction sale of the estate of David (Stringbean) Akeman. Akeman and his wife, Estelle, who were murdered Nov. 10, as they returned to their home.
Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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Hundreds of bidders gather at the home of the late David (Stringbean) Akeman as George P. Howell & Son Realty and Auction Co. auction off a pair of overalls worn by the well-known Grand Ole Opry star.
Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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Vanderbilt seniors, playing their final game at Memorial Gym meet at center court during introductions prior to their game against Kentucky on March 2, 1974. Jan van Breda Kolff, left, Terry Compton, Lee Fowler and Bill Ligon signify teamwork in the traditional way.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Traffic gets heavy under the basket as Kentucky's Kevin Grevey (35) battles Vanderbilt teammates Jan van Breda Kolff and Jeff Fosnes during the Commodores 71-69 victory over the Wildcats at Memorial Gym March 2, 1974. Vanderbilt clinched a share of the SEC title with Alabama and was assured a berth in the NCAA Mideast Regional.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Although most motorists think $18.50 is enough to pay for a state license decal, some 400 Tennesseans paid an extra $50 a piece for personalized tags like these waiting at the Metro Courthouse March 4, 1974.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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The main operation of W.W. Acuff Auto Tire Co. at 3021 West End Ave. is being moved into this new 13,000-square-foot home at Eighth Avenue and Division Street, shown here March 4, 1974. The new structure was design by architect Bill Shelton of Brentwood.
Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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Fifth Quarter Steak House, which opened Dec. 28, placed an ad in the March 4, 1974 issue of The Tennessean to show what customers are saying about their restaurant. In little over two months, Fifth Quarter has served more than 30,000 customers.
The Tennessean

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Two award-winning songwriters Billy Joe Shaver, left, and Bill Anderson, right, share smiles with Clarence Selman, president of the Nashville Songwriters Association, during the association's honorary banquet at the Sheraton South March 5, 1974.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Sears, with their Downtown and Madison stores, placed an ad in the March 7, 1974 issue of The Tennessean to promote their easy-care Easter dresses from Winnie the Pooh!, in their Children's Store.
The Tennessean

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Freddy the chimney Sweep, Mickey Mouse and Alice of Wonderland visit the children's division of the Metro Public Library March 8, 1974 to invite youngsters to the Disney on Parade show in town the next week. The kids being entranced by the Disney characters are Richard Ritter, 5, left, and Hans Wang, 5.
Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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NFL star linebacker Tommy Nobis, center, of the Atlanta Falcons greets Grand Ole Opry stalwart Bashful Brother Oswald, right, in an appearance at the Opry March 8, 1974. Nobis is here to participate in the Cerebral Palsy telethon. Metro Trustee Glenn Ferguson, left, is in charge of scheduling the sports figures that will appear in the telethon.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Connie Beatrice Milligan, 20, sings at the opening session of the Miss Nashville Pageant at McGavock High School March 8, 1974. The brown-eyed college coed came close to winning the Miss Tennessee Pageant last year as Miss Belmont College.
Fred Sheridan / The Tennessean

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Conny Van Dyke waves to a fan after finishes a song during rehearsal March 9, 1974 for the upcoming Cerebral Palsy Telethon.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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The new Miss Nashville, Connie Beatrice Milligan, poses with Teresa Fay Thompson, who retired the title of Miss Davidson County, after winning the title at McGavock High School March 9, 1974. Madison-Inglewood Jaycees, who annually sponsor Nashville's representative in the Miss Tennessee Pageant, changed the local contest to the Miss Nashville Pageant this year, causing Miss Thompson to be the last Miss Davidson County.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Nurse Barbara Cook, right, takes time out at the WSM-TV Cerebral Palsy Telethon March 10, 1974 to play with little Ann Marie Cato of the Nashville Cerebral Palsy Center.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Bobby Goldsboro, left, Lynn Anderson, Burt Reynolds and Buddy Killen point to the total raise during the 10th annual WSM-TV Cerebral Palsy Telethon at the Municipal Auditorium March 9, 1974.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Young John Carter Cash, right, presents a bouquet to Minnie Mouse on the arrival of the Disney on Parade cast at Nashville Municipal Airport March 11, 1974. It was the first time Mickey Mouse and the Disney cast had been welcomed formally in any city, as they arrived here for their weeklong visit at the Municipal Auditorium.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Young Cannon Smith, front, gets into the most comfortable possible position to stare in fascination at Mary Poppins, left, Mickey, Bert the Chimney Sweep and Minnie during the welcoming ceremonies for the Disney on Parade group at the Nashville Municipal Airport March 11, 1974.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Commerce Union Bank employees Debbie Lipsey, left, Elise Hoover, Linda Hayes and head teller Mike Todd count the $24,584 that was collected in a huge fishbowl during the Cerebral Palsy Telethon at the Municipal Auditorium. The fishbowl money brought the total collected in the fundraising drie to $277,565.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Nashville Postmaster David I. Huggins placed an ad in the March 11, 1974 issue of The Tennessean to answer questions about the newly raised 10-cent stamp.
The Tennessean

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Irving Waugh, left, president of WSM, and Jack Stapp are checking out the new 4,400-seat Opry House March 12, 1974, which will greet President Richard Nixon for the grand opening March 16.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Grand Ole Opry performers, family members and guest are checking out the new 4,400-seat Opry House March 12, 1974, which will greet President Richard Nixon for the grand opening March 16th.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff, right, talks with Alcyone Bate Beasley, left, who played the piano as a 13-year-old girl with the Possum Hunters band during the earliest days of the Grand Ole Opry. She and her husband, Jack Beasley, center, were checking out the new 4,400-seat Opry House March 12, 1974.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Two of the first players to be named for the Tennessee-Kentucky All-Star game meet with officials during a Tip-Off Luncheon March 12, 1974. Tennessee State stars Richard Rucker, left, and All-American Leonard Robinson, right, talks with Ernest Conner, second from left, of the Middle Tennessee Kidney Foundation and David Shelton of the Franklin Road Jaycees.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Vanderbilt seniors Jan van Breda Kolff, left, Bill Ligon, coach Roy Skinner, junior Bob Chess, Terry Compton and Lee Fowler are on the plane March 13, 1974 for the NCAA Mideast tournament in Tuscaloosa and a game with Marquette. The Commodores were the co-champions in the SEC.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Vanderbilt University coed Janet Hendershot of Bowling Green, Ky., tries on a spring hat, hoping to find a bargain during Nashville Extra Value Days March 15, 1974. Around 150 local stores are involved in the three-day NEVD sales.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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But Nashville Extra Value Days aren't exciting for everyone as evidenced by Mike McGuire who waits, and waits, while his wife tries on dresses March 15, 1974.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Grand Ole Opry star Del Reeves, left, welcome five U.S. representatives to the last night of Opry performance at the Ryman Auditorium March 15, 1974. The next night, Richard Fulton of Nashville, second from left, James Symington of Missouri, Tom Bevil of Alabama, John Dent of Pennsylvania and Omar Burleson of Texas, will attend the grand opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House with President Richard M. Nixon.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Washington Redskins head coach George Allen, left, directs a few of the 102 aspiring players who appeared at Overton High School to participate in the free agent tryout camp sponsored by the Redskins March 16, 1974. Allen and seven members of the Redskins staff directed the tryouts.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Washington Redskins player personnel director Tim Temerario, right, shakes hands with the Tennessean reporter Dwight Lewis, who appeared at Overton High School to participate in the free agent tryout camp sponsored by the Redskins March 16, 1974. Lewis also was presented with a certificate saying he does not have the potential to help the Redskins at this time.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Harry Sadler, right, a Nashville automobile dealer with political activity, visit with Cornelia, left, and Alabama Gov. George Wallace at their hotel room in downtown Nashville March 16, 1974. Gov. Wallace is in town for the grand opening of the new Grand Ole Opry House.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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President Richard Nixon, left, waits with Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn and his wife, Betty, for the plane of his wife, First Lady Pat Nixon to arrive before speaking to supporters in the Air National Guard hangar March 16, 1974 after arriving in Nashville for the dedication of the new Grand Ole Opry House. Also waiting with the group is U.S. Sen. William Brock, right, of Tennessee.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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President Richard Nixon and his wife, Pat, greet supporters and a couple non-supporters in the Air National Guard hangar March 16, 1974 after arriving in Nashville for the dedication of the new Grand Ole Opry House.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Invited guests and fans packed the brand new $15 million Grand Ole Opry House March 16, 1974 as they wait for the start of the dedication ceremony.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Roy Acuff, right, greets President Richard Nixon after introducing him as "the very first President ever to visit the Grand Ole Opry" during the dedication ceremony of the Opry's new House March 16, 1974.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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After playing "Happy Birthday" for his wife, first lady Pat Nixon, President Richard Nixon then plays "My Wild Irish Rose" for her during the dedication ceremony of the new Grand Ole Opry House March 16, 1974. President Nixon explains the she had an Irish father and was born on St. Patrick's Day.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Before President Richard Nixon, left, makes some remarks during the dedication ceremony of the brand new Grand Ole Opry House March 16, 1974, Roy Acuff is helping him to learn how to yo-yo.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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The Fruit Jar Drinkers are performing on the stage of the brand new Grand Ole Opry House in the very first show March 16, 1974. The "Drinkers" have been on the Opry for as long as there has been an Opry.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Bill Anderson is performing his one song for a packed audience during the very first show at the brand new Grand Ole Opry House March 16, 1974. The show followed roughly alphabetical order and each entertainer was limited to a single song.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Jim Ed Brown, left, and sisters Maxine and Bonnie are performing a single song for a packed audience during the very first show in the brand new Grand Ole Opry House March 16, 1974. The show followed roughly alphabetical order and each entertainer was limited to a single song.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Popular country comedian Jerry Clower is performing for a packed audience during the very first show in the brand new Grand Ole Opry House March 16, 1974. The show followed roughly alphabetical order and each entertainer was limited to a single song.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Lt. Gov. John Wilder, left, congratulates Harlan Mathews on his election as Tennessee's new state treasurer in a joint session of the state legislature March 18, 1974. Democrat Mathews was elected unanimously after Republicans decided against any backdoor attempt to capture the office.
J.T. Phillips / The Tennessean

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Guests at the movie premiere parties for "The Great Gatsby" will be transported to and from the Green Hills Theater April 5 in this 1931 Model A roadster owned by Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Steward. Among the party helpers shown here March 20, 1974, are Mrs. David Caldwell, left, and Mrs. Bard Quillman. The movie premiere is sponsor by Friends of Cheekwood.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Ann Jacobs, right, Belmont women's basketball star, shows off her National Women's Invitational Tournament All-American sweater to Coach Betty Wiseman, left, and teammate Kathi Martin March 20, 1974. The Rebelettes finished sixth in the NWIT, finishing the season 22-6. Martin was named to the All-America Honorable Mention squad.
Kit Luce / The Tennessean

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Marvin Douglas Brown, left, and John A. Brown Jr., both charged with the murder of Grand Ole Opry star David (Stringbean) Akeman and his wife, Estelle, are returned to the Metro Workhouse after their arraignment on the charges was continued at the Metro Courthouse Mar. 21, 1974.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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The top section of a 125-foot boom lies balanced on the roof of a Music Row garage after the giant crane tumbled over March 21, 1974, at a 900 17th Ave. S. construction project of the City Executive Building. The boom crashed into the rear of the Country Corner, a tavern at 901 16th Ave. S.
Robert Johnson / The Tennessean

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One needn't go to the Caribbean or the South Pacific to live the life of an islander. One can do it right here in Davidson County. This is Gower's Island, shown here March 22, 1974, one of six in the county. Gower's is the best known of the islands and is named for Able Gower Jr., who settled in Nashville in 1780. The 40.5 acres island is just off the Ashland City Highway and less than a half mile from the Cheatham County line.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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One needn't go to the Caribbean or the South Pacific to live the life of an islander. One can do it right here in Davidson County. This is Lower Nashville Island, shown here March 22, 1974, one of six in the county. The 2.5 acres island, between I-265 bridge and downtown Nashville, is often under water with only it trees showing.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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"Tomorrow" host Tom Snyder, right, elicits a laugh from Tootsie Bess, the owner of Nashville's renowned Tootsie's Orchid Lounge March 23, 1974. Snyder brought his NBC-TV show to Nashville from Burbank, Calif., and found an audience of 2,000 during taping of the very first television productions at the new Grand Ole Opry House.
Kit Luce / The Tennessean

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John Childress, right, of the Bon Ton Barber Shop at 1816 21st Ave. S., has his own special way to welcome spring March 23, 1974. Cyndy Bradley, 17, a student at Peabody, takes Childress up on his offer for a free legs shave to celebrate the first spring-like day of the season in Nashville.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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About 20,000 young people pack Vanderbilt University's Memorial Gym March 23, 1974 for the fifth annual Youth Evangelism Conference of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The conference is designed to "bring them closer to Christ" and to teach them to witness their faith.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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"Tomorrow" host Tom Snyder, right, interviews Stephen Gaskin, spiritual leader of the Farm commune near Summertown, Tenn. in a taping at the Tennessee State Penitentiary March 24, 1974. Gaskin has just finished his first month of 1 to 3-year sentence for growing marijuana. Snyder brought his NBC-TV show to Nashville from Burbank, Calif.
Kit Luce / The Tennessean

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A cold front passing through Middle Tennessee brought sleet and snow flurries and the hard freeze ruined many natural exhibits that ware already around. This bed of tulips here March 24, 1974, was one of the victims. The freeze did considerable damage to some fruit crops according to agriculture officials.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Taking advantage of clear but brisk weather, these two steeplechasers participated in the Bi-State Alliance Point-to-Point on George Sloan's layout in Brentwood March 24, 1974. Leading is Warlock with Charles Burke up and Enchapada with Paul Sloan up beginning the jump. George Sloan on Monfire won the Maple Grove Challenge Trophy.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Actor Burt Reynolds, right, and his double, former Vanderbilt football player Steve Shaw, waits to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings" March 25, 1974. In the scene, Reynolds, as W.W., robs a service station at Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood and then leaves the surprised attendant a $20 tip.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Actor Burt Reynolds, sitting on car right, wait to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings" March 25, 1974. In the scene, Reynolds, as W.W., robs a service station at Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood and then leaves the surprised attendant a $20 tip.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Actor Burt Reynolds, sitting on car right, wait to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings" March 25, 1974. In the scene, Reynolds, as W.W., robs a service station at Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood and then leaves the surprised attendant a $20 tip.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Movie fans are watching as actor Burt Reynolds waits to begin another scene in the movie, "W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings" March 25, 1974 at a service station on Concord Road and Wilson Pike in Brentwood.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Bee Gees' twin brothers Maurice, left, and Robin Gibbs are performing one hit song after another before the appreciative crowd at Municipal Auditorium March 25, 1974. They also introduce their latest single release, "Mr. Natural."
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Bee Gees' brothers Maurice, left, Robin and Barry Gibbs are performing one hit song after another before the appreciative crowd at Municipal Auditorium March 25, 1974. They also introduce their latest single release, "Mr. Natural."
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Bee Gees' brothers Barry, left, Robin and Maurice Gibbs are performing one hit song after another before the appreciative crowd at Municipal Auditorium March 25, 1974. They also introduce their latest single release, "Mr. Natural."
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean

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Runner Margaret Groos, right, and coach Janice Cocke checks out her training time during practice March 27, 1974. Groos, 14-year-old Harpeth Hall student, started running three years ago with some friends and doesn't intend stopping until she reaches the Olympics in 1976, or four years later.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Executives Robert D. Hudson, left, Jim Lawson, and Bill Perkins of the nation's first African-American-owned television station, WTLT-TV, Nashville's Channel 17, check out the black-and-white camera soon to be traded for color equipment in their studio on 38th Ave. North, March 27, 1974. The station goes on the air in early June. Hudson, president of Hudson Broadcasting Inc., is the owner of the station.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Bill Perkins, vice-president and director of operations of the nation's first African-American-owned television station, WTLT-TV, Nashville's Channel 17, check out the black-and-white camera soon to be traded for color equipment in their studio on 38th Ave. North March 27, 1974.
Frank Empson / The Tennessean

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Nothing is so lazy and lovely as a day in early spring, the air is balmy and the grass is green. Puffing away their cares March 28, 1974, with the fluff of dandelions are 11-year-olds from the Brookmeade School area, Tammy Tweedy, bottom, Darinda Durham, middle, and Mindy Campbell, top.
Jack Corn / The Tennessean

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Ambra Offutt, here March 28, 1974 is all ready with the tools to play baseball, but even though a New Jersey court ruled girls may not be banned from Little League play, the 12-year-old will not be allowed to play in Nashville's Little League. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Offutt of Sunset Place plans to continue her fight to play alongside the boys.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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South Central Bell Telephone Co. division manager W.B. Pritchett, middle, presents the first copy of the 1974 telephone directory which has the Traveler's Rest on the cover, to Mrs. Andrew Benedict, left, past president of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Tennessee, and Mrs. F. Russell Campbell, current president of the society, March 28, 1974. The society owns the national landmark that was built in 1799 by Judge John Overton.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Members of a Senate-House conference committee try to work out an agreement on a comprehensive governmental ethics and campaign financing bill March 29, 1974. The legislature adjourned the regular 1974 session without taking action on the measure.
J.T. Phillips / The Tennessean

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Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Norm Evans, left, and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson were adversaries in last winter's NFL playoffs. But at the Sheraton Inn in Nashville March 29, 1974, they met on friendlier terms as they are in town for the Pro Bowl at Vanderbilt. In the game, graduating seniors from Tennessee State and Vanderbilt plays flag football against an all-star team of professional players.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Crown Ford on Thompson Lane at Nolensville Road placed an ad in the March 29, 1974 issue of The Tennessean to let the readers know that they had their whole inventory on Sale since they must move by April 1.
The Tennessean

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On April 13, in a woods near Nashville, something wonderful is going to happen as Opryland placed an ad in the March 29, 1974 issue of The Tennessean to promote their five-day pas for only $16 or a season pass for only $25 before the start of the season.
The Tennessean

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Despite all those long runs on pass routes, Vanderbilt outstanding freshman split end, Jesse Mathers, gets a break now and then. The former North High School star was caught in this position during halftime of the game-condition scrimmage on Dudley Field March 30, 1974.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Former Tennessee State receiver John Holland talks with son Jerimine as he awaits for the start of the Pro Bowl at Vanderbilt March 30, 1974. In the game, graduating seniors from Tennessee State and Vanderbilt plays flag football against an all-star team of pros, which won the game 30-7.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, left, holds the football out of the reach of former Vanderbilt star Greg Williams during the Pro Bowl at Vanderbilt March 30, 1974. In the game, graduating seniors from Tennessee State and Vanderbilt plays flag football against an all-star team of pros, which won the game 30-7.
Dale Ernsberger / The Tennessean

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Preparing for a dress rehearsal March 30, 1974 of Les Ballets Intimes, which will open April 4th at the Children's Theater are Cynthia Goldner, left, Melinda Maxwell and Karin Adams. The Nashville Ballet Society annual production will be staged for three nights and a Sunday matinee.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Having shed her tuxedo jacket and tie, singer-dancer Yvette Evil checks an onstage mirror before aligning a long blonde wig before changing into another outfit during her show at The Other Side March 30, 1974. Yvette, born a man, underwent a sex-change operation five years ago.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Yvette Evil, who was born a man before undergoing a sex-change operation, performs with her four male musicians called the Daughters of Darkness March 30, 1974 at The Other Side, a nightclub at 412 Lea Ave. Yvette, 29, says she is proud to be a woman and, to prove it, volunteers her measurements, 37-23-38.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Yvette Evil, who was born a man before undergoing a sex-change operation, performs with her four male musicians called the Daughters of Darkness March 30, 1974 at The Other Side, a nightclub at 412 Lea Ave. Yvette, 29, says she is proud to be a woman and, to prove it, volunteers her measurements, 37-23-38.
Joe Rudis / The Tennessean

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Hugh Howell, left, and his father, Billy, display a few of the items they will auction to settle the estate of David (Stringbean) Akeman and his wife, Estelle. On the hood of Stringbean's 1974 Cadillac is a pair of overalls worn by the well-known Grand Ole Opry star and some of his fishing gear. The star and his wife were murdered Nov. 10, as they returned to their home.
Jimmy Ellis / The Tennessean